Fathers are special, so at some point you may find yourself in search of gifts for dads. They deserve to be celebrated, just as moms are celebrated on special holidays. For fathers, special days include religious holidays, Father’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, and celebratory events like a job promotion or retirement. Like all of us, most fathers enjoy receiving presents that show affection, appreciation, and care. So the next time you go shopping for gifts for dads, here are some possibilities to keep in mind. (Note that this list does not include ties, socks, or plaques!)

1. Handmade Gifts

Fathers have a soft spot for their kids, no matter what their ages. Consider making Dad something designed from your personal talents. For example, if you compose and perform music, write a song just for him, and play it on his special day. Or if you enjoy writing, prepare a short story recounting a happy day spent together. Nothing replaces a gift from the heart that is personalized to a father’s relationship with his children.

2. Sport Event Tickets

Most fathers thrill to the thought of seeing their favorite teams in action. Get him tickets for an event that he can attend locally or within driving distance, either with Mom or with the entire family. Include a gift card for parking fees and refreshments, or pack a picnic basket with his favorites. Other great gifts for dads include getting him a ball cap or t-shirt with his team’s logo.

3. Technology Tools and Toys

How many guys can resist a gadget that plugs in, turns on, or runs off a cord or battery? Whether it’s a power tool or a video game, you should be able to find an electronic gizmo in your price range that will pique your dad’s interest. If you aren’t sure what he would like, ask Mom or visit his workshop or family room for an idea of his technological interests. Just make sure there are instructions (not that he will read them) in case he has questions or does decide to get help in assembling or using the item.

4. Entertainment Gift Certificates

If your father is an arts fan, purchase tickets or a gift certificate/card for an upcoming theater performance, art show, or concert that you think he will enjoy. Or make it a dinner package and get tickets for a dinner theater. Depending on availability in your area, you also might consider showboat performances, a cruise, a special museum exhibit or a historic site that he’s always wanted to see. Check dates first to be sure he is available and the weather looks promising.

5. Favorite Store Gift Cards

Does your father enjoy shopping for clothes? How about a hobby shop? Maybe he’s a gourmet chef and loves to buy costly ingredients for an occasional deluxe cooking session at home. Get him a gift card to somewhere that he really enjoys but may not be able to shop there often due to cost. Most people love shopping with other people’s money, so this should be a big hit!

6. Food-related Gifts

Piggybacking on the previous item, you might want to reflect on gifts for dads related to food; after all, how many dads are uninterested in eating? You can get him a gourmet gift basket loaded with his favorite chocolates or snack foods. Or take him out to dine at his favorite restaurant. You also might want to prepare a home-cooked meal with all the things he loves. Use the china dishes and don’t spare cost in selecting the best cuts of meat and buying the freshest ingredients. You can always try a new recipe if you think he’ll truly enjoy it.

7. Reading Material

If Dad is a reader, buy him a beloved author’s next book in the series. If your father doesn’t enjoy reading books, you can always get him a gag book of jokes for sporadic browsing. Or consider a magazine subscription related to a hobby, interest (like home repairs), or sport. Chances are he will read at least some of the issues and since most arrive monthly or so, he will be reminded with each issue of your love for him.

8. Getaway Weekend

Everyone can use time away to refresh and relax. Find out where your father has always wanted to go or perhaps a place where he has been and longs to return. Get him a weekend getaway gift certificate for your mother and him to escape. If needed, set up babysitting plans (with your mother’s help, of course) and other arrangements that might be needed, such as pet care, house-sitting or telephone answering. As an added bonus, you can arrange to have the car serviced beforehand so it’s lubed and ready to go!

9. Hobby Equipment

From woodworking to grilling and even archery to fishing, most dads have or would appreciate having a hobby for fun and stress reduction. Gifts for dads can include hobby equipment, tools, guides, kits, and other paraphernalia that will help him get started to try something new or step up his current interests by giving him set-up equipment. Ask a sales associate about necessary auxiliaries, like a cable cord for computers and batteries for tools.

10. Personal Furniture

If your dad doesn’t already have a favorite sofa for snoozing or a well-used armchair for watching television, he might be thrilled to get one for a very special event, like an anniversary. If cost is a factor, perhaps your siblings will chip in to get him a reasonably priced item. Find out with careful questions to Dad or by asking your mother what color, style, and design would best suit him. Arrange with the store to return the furniture item if it doesn’t suit your dad. Comfort can be a high priority after a hectic day on the job, so this gift might be just the thing to please your father and help him relax.

Finding gifts for dads can be challenging, especially if your dad keeps busy or is a man of few words. It may take some time beforehand to weasel out of him what he would really like or which gifts to avoid. Sometimes it’s just hit or miss. You do the best you can and hope for good results. If not, some gifts for dads can be returned. Others may have to be chalked up as a learning experience for next year. Some children give their dads a check, a letter of love and respect, or hand-made “awards” giving Dad a day off from Saturday chores or a free car wash. Much depends on the age and abilities of the kids who are choosing gifts. Adult children generally have a much wider range of gift options and can thus find out more about Dad’s interests before making a decision.

Buying gifts for dads need not be an overwhelming task. With forethought, Mom’s help, and a bit of luck, you can make the next special day in your father’s life memorable for life by choosing something that will surprise and delight him in the same way he has made you happy with holiday gifts when you were a child.

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